E. Prostrating to Jesus

The Gospels mention the prostrating of some people, who were contemporary with Jesus (PBUH), to him. Christians believe that this prostrating is evidence of his divinity, and that he is worthy of worship.

The father of the bleeding girl did it once,“While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live."(Matthew 9/18), the leprous kneeled to him as well, “And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." (Matthew 8/2), and the Magi prostrated to him when he was a child. “And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2/11).

There is no doubt that prostrating is an indication of worship, but it does not mean that all prostrating must be worship. Prostrating could be to show esteem and glorification; as Abraham (PBUH) prostrated honoring the people of Hath,“Abraham rose and bowed to the Hittites, the people of the land.”(Gen. 23/7). 

Jacob (PBUH) and his family prostrated to Esau, the son of Isaac, when they met him. (Gen. 33/3-7)

Moses (PBUH) prostrated to his father in law when he came from Median to visit him (Ex. 18:7), and Joseph’s brothers (PBUH) prostrated to him not to worship, but to honor him. (Gen. 42:6).

All these examples and many more do not mean more than respect, and the same goes for prostrating to Jesus (PBUH).